Project Description

The Coast Road leaving Kilkee near the West End and running along Loop Head’s northern coast is not only one of the most scenic areas in County Clare but the whole of Ireland.

The area around the first parking area after leaving Kilkee (on Google Maps named as “Kilkee Cliffside”) offers not only wonderful views but is also steeped in heritage and a good vantage point for nature enthusiasts and storm watchers..

The Foohagh - Bishops Island Point of Interest (POI) would be part of the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way and provide information on topics such as:

• Bishop’s Island

• St. Senan’s Well

• Geology

• Basking Sharks

• Wildflowers & Sod Hedges

• Scenic View (marking & naming locations along the coastline)

• Storms

The information panel could be located at the parking area or closer to the cliff edge and be surrounded by a traditionally built dry stone wall that would not only provide protection for the panels but in the long term also a habitat for insects and other small animals mimicking the nearby sod hedges. Content - illustrations and text - could be sourced locally which would result in content that would go beyond the basic tourist information and make the POI a more personal experience for both visitors and residents.

Project Justification & Objectives

The Foohagh - Bishop’s Island POI would be an important building block of the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way and could be used as a pilot project for similar POI which could be developed all over the Peninsula.

The Foohagh - Bishop’s Island POI would be mainly aimed at visitors and so support sustainable tourism on the Loop Head Peninsula.

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Nearby residents

• Kilkee and West Clare History and Heritage Group

• Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation

• Loop Head Tourism

• Loop Head Together

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!